Araria, Bihar : A massive protest erupted in Araria, Bihar, on Saturday as thousands gathered to oppose the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act by the Union government. The demonstration, held near Millia College, was organized under the leadership of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and saw participation from various religious, civil, and political organizations, reported the Hindustan Times.
Presided over by Naib Nazim Mufti Sohrab Alam Nadvi of Imarat-e-Shariah, Patna, the protest attracted prominent Islamic bodies including Imarat-e-Shariah, Jamiatul Ulama-e-Hind, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and Tablighi Jamaat. Civil society groups and political leaders also joined the agitation, with Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav attending as chief guest.
Speakers at the rally condemned the Waqf Amendment Act, branding it a “black law” and a direct attack on the constitutional rights of Muslims. Allegations were made that the government aims to hand over Waqf properties to corporate giants like Adani and Ambani under the guise of legal reforms. “This is not just legal overreach, it is mental harassment of the entire Muslim community,” one speaker declared.
Protesters accused the law of promoting communal polarization and warned that unrest would escalate if the act is not revoked. The community vowed to continue its resistance until the law is completely repealed.
A large protest rally followed the gathering, marching from Zeromile through the streets of Araria and culminating at Subhash Stadium. A memorandum listing key demands was submitted to the District Magistrate by a designated delegation.
Distinguished voices at the event included former MP Sarfaraz Alam, MLAs Shahnawaz Alam and Abidur Rahman, and political leaders Kanhaiya Kumar, Faisal Javed Yasin, and Shad Ahmed. Islamic scholars like Mufti Inaamul Bari and Qari Niaz Ahmed also addressed the crowd, urging steadfast unity and sustained struggle.
